Yes, it does compel people to leave their families early to open up stores at ungodly hours. And yes, it's comically hypocritical to give thanks on one day, only to max out the credit card a day later.

But the thing is, shopping after Thanksgiving has become a tradition many families and friends genuinely enjoy together after the turkey has been picked clean. (Shopping during Thanksgiving though, that's still inexcusable.)

To you, die-hard shopaholics: consider the growing Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday movements. This weekend, skip the mall and shop at the independent businesses in your neighborhood, stop for lunch at a local cafe and spend your money in the best place possible: here.

Lombardi Leather of Skaneateles makes hand-crafted leather goods including their best-seller, a buckle-less belt. The home-based business owned by Francis Lombardi is looking to expand with a production facility in downtown Syracuse. The belts come in different colors and sizes.Stephen D. Cannerelli | scannerelli@syracuse.com

This shop is a regular at local craft fairs like the Salt Market and the Funky Flea Market, and for good reason. Baldwinsville native Amy Fancher prints quirky-beautiful, original illustrations on super-soft T-shirts for men and women, pillow cases, baby clothes, scarves, bags and dish towels.

From Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, she will participate in Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday with two sales at her Etsy shop online. Get 15 percent off an entire purchase (no minimum order) with coupon code viva2013holidays and 20 percent off a purchase of $50 or more with coupon code: fiftyisnifty.

View full sizeEcho's crate table on wheels (sold) was constructed in October 2013.Echo | Facebook

View full sizeSalesperson Wes Fez (left) explains to Peter Palmer, of Baldwinsville, the features of a camera lens at Ra-Lin on Black Friday, 2012.
Ellen M. Blalock | The Post-Standard

6. A new camera or refrigerator from Ra-Lin
The family-owned electronics store's tagline is "The Original Discounter!" and Black Friday isn't any different.

After 60 years in business, Ra-Lin knows its customers and knows its products. You can chat one-on-one with a staff member about that Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens you want.

Try doing that at Best Buy at 1 a.m. on Black Friday.

7. Gift certificate to his or her favorite local shop or restaurant
As a reporter tells people to GET OUT and experience Syracuse daily, I can't stress enough how great this gift can be. Send your honey to a pottery class, a free dinner with friends or a local massage on your dime. Tickets to a Syracuse basketball game would also rock. If you're smart about it, get a second ticket for yourself and make it something you both can enjoy.

If you can hold on to your cash until after Plaid Friday, the second annual Pepper Market is coming up on December 14 at 499 S. Warren St. Created as a sister event to the annual Salt Market, the Pepper Market showcases 30 local artists and designers selling their wares for $30 and less.

This gift guide could only feature a handful of local businesses. Feel free to share your own suggestions in the comments below.